Home > Septic Services Blog > Septic Tank Cleaning: Where Does the Waste Go?

Nowadays, where wastewater goes is not something we really think about. As long as a toilet isn’t overflowing or the yard isn’t filled with sewage, the septic system tends to be ignored. The fact is, however, that it shouldn’t be ignored. Unfortunately, there are homeowners throughout the Orlando area and beyond that have not opted for septic tank cleaning, and that has resulted in some rather messy issues on their property, not to mention the harm that a broken system does to the environment.

Septic Tank Cleaning: Where Does the Waste Go?

It is important for your system to receive an annual checkup and septic tank cleaning. The sludge and scum levels can be measured. If they are too high, they can be pumped out. A septic tank that is heavily used is going to require pumping more often than a septic tank that isn’t used as much. A family of three normally isn’t going to expel more wastewater than a family of five. This is why the recommendation can be one to three years for one family and two to five years for another. The annual inspection will determine how often the system is pumped.

But where does all the waste go after a septic tank cleaning? A pump truck can remove the sludge, scum, and effluent. This leaves the septic tank empty. Once the waste is gone, it can be taken to waste treatment plants, where it is processed with municipal waste. The waste can be treated in cesspools, but it can also be used in the growing of organic food. Septic tank waste extracted during septic tank cleaning can also be used in the generation of electricity. While not all of the possible uses are seen in Florida, it may be just a matter of time.